28651To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll Brent, 21 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now enclose you the account and copies of the Contract and Bill of particulars respecting the Jail directed at the last Session of Congress, to be built in this City. Although every effort was made to complete the Plan adopted for the Sum appropriated, it could not be done:—it was then determined to finish only certain parts of the Building, and to keep the amount for such as should be...
28652From George Washington to John Hurt, 28 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 24th instant, and have to inform you on the subjects mentioned in it, that, according to the best of my recollection the Arrangements respecting the Commutation of the half-pay of the Officers in the late army were made between Congress & a Committee from the Army, without any agency of mine. Nor do I remember to have taken any measures with regard to...
28653To James Madison from William Nelson, Jr., 7 May 1787 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of your polite promise to take charge of any letters that I might wish to send to my friend Mr. Short, I take the liberty of troubling you with the inclosed, and beg the favor of you, to have it put into the mail at New York, which goes by the French-packet. Mr. Wythe and Mr. Blair sailed from York this morning for the head of Elk. May not a favorable effect be hoped from the...
28654To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1804, New Orleans. “The Patroles on last night arrested twelve or fifteen Spanish Soldiers and Sailors who were lurking about the City, probably with a design of deserting and they were on this morning delivered to a Spanish officer. “The greater part of the Spanish forces have this moment taken their departure for Pensacola; they were embarked on board of a Ship, and their numbers...
28655To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Albon, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec empressement, Monsieur, que jai l’honneur de vous envoier mon ouvrage. L’hommage que je vous en fais vous est dû mieux qu’à toute autre personne. Je m’y suis attaché à défendre Les intêréts d’un peuple opprimé dont vous êtes aujourdhui le representant, comme vous en fûtes le créateur, car, le vrai créateur d’un peuple est celui qui lui donne de...
28656To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much obliged to you My Dear est Father for your kindness in saving me from the anxiety to which an exagerated report would have occasioned me. I am in hopes the swelling will go off with out suppuration. Mr Eppes found me with exactly such a one as you describe when he returned from Washington in the spring 1804 except that the pain had brought on an affection of the stomach and head...
28657To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Girard, 23 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Reclame votre justice, pour obtenir Celle qui m’est dûe par Lun de vos Compatriotes appellé Vinzandt. Ce M: qui passa icy au mois d’aout 1777. etoit Descandu Chez L’un de nos Negts. quand il y eût fait ses affaires qui Ly avoient amené et quil fut à la veille de son depart, M: de la Croix Chez Lequel il etoit descandu veint avec Lui me demander une...
28658To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Etienne Gaucher, [before 26 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society T∴ C∴ F∴ L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, est convoquée pour le lundy 26 du 3e. mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5783, en son local, rue Coquéron, à 4 heures précises. Il y aura Reception au 1er. Grade et affiliation, l’on fera la Nomination des officiers, ensuite Banquet . Vous êtes prié d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union...
28659To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Washington. “My excellent young friend Mr. John Skinner of Annapolis, (who I believe was presented to you by Mr. Duvall) intends going to the Western Country. He wishes to commence his Career there in Some public Employ.” Skinner’s legal studies and service as a clerk in the state legislature qualify him for a secretary’s position, and his “connections & family are among the most...
28660To James Madison from John Steele, 20 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
It is with much reluctance I prevail on myself, so far to intrude upon you, as to request your attention to a subject which concerns myself only. Having gone nearly through a term of twenty one years in various public employments, without the colour of censure , cast upon my integrity or honour, and being desirous to preserve the small share of fame, I might thereby be entitled to, I wrote to...
28661To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 30 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, June 30, 1794. “It is necessary that I receive some indication of the points to which you wish the attention of Col: Alexander White to be drawn when he shall set out from Winchester to examine the capacities of Mr. Zanes Estate to supply the remainder of the Iron Cannon.” LC , RG 75, Letters of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the Revenue, Relating to the...
28662To James Madison from Richard Rush, 18 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
When it became my lot to superintend for a short time, the business of the department of state, I little imagined, that among the foreign ministers, the Abbe Correa was the one with whom my official relations were to be the least smooth. Having imbibed a veneration for his character and genius, struck with the engaging simplicity of his manners and liberality of his principles, I had, on the...
28663To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 29 September 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday Mr Van Vechtnen Advised me that no Notice had been given by Mr Ogden to Jacob R Van Rensselaer that Special bail had been filed in the Suit of John R. V. Rensselaer Against Stephen Schuyler & Henry J V Rensselaer. in Conformity to Mr Ogdens directions to My Brother, I became Special Bail, and immediately Advised Mr Ogden thereof and that the bail price was filed. on Saturday last,...
28664From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, [11 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Congress having thought proper to require my services in the negotiation of their Foreign treaties, my seat as one of your delegates in Congress is become vacant. I feel myself on this occasion bound to express my gratitude for the confidence which the General assembly were pleased to repose in me by this appointment and to assure them that during my continuance therein I have made the just...
28665To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Letter I did myself the honnour to write your Excellency the 30th. ulto. Conveyd the Particulars of the Cruise of the Black Prince Cutter. Her Cap. Mr. Stephen marchant, Sends me, recd. per yesterday mail, The List of his Prisonners deliverd in Morlaix, & also, a List of 21, equal number, of his men on Board of the 6 Prises, which, he has all reason to...
28666From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 7 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
If I were as rich as Mr Stephen Gerard or Mr William Gray, I would publish and proclaim offers and promises of Rewards in Gold and Silver, in money and medals, for the best Essays on Several Subjects, Some of which I will now hint without any regard to arrangement. 1. 100 Dollars or Eagles if I could afford them, and a Gold Medal for the best History of our American Navy and its Exploits as...
28667To Alexander Hamilton from Peter R. Livingston, 12 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ July 12, 1793. On August 16, 1793, Livingston wrote to Hamilton : “I thank you for your favr. in answer to mine of the 12th. Ulto.” Letter not found. ] Peter R. Livingston was the eldest son of Robert Livingston, Jr., the second lord of Livingston Manor.
28668Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your packet has come safe to hand, & the enclosure for Mr Nicholls shall be delivered by me this afternoon, unless it rains, as now seems probable. Meanwhile, I enclose you a paper containing many details concerning the wonderful event which the inconceivable folly of half a dozen men has brought about. Although it were to be wished that they would have suffered the French People to continue...
28669To Thomas Jefferson from Bernardo de Gálvez, 9 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
New Orleans, 9 July 1780 . Introducing Luis Toutan [Toutant] Beauregard, merchant of New Orleans, who comes to Virginia to obtain payment of sums due him for goods furnished to the troops quartered in the Illinois country. Gálvez desires to find occasions to be of service to TJ. RC ( Vi ); 2 p.; in Spanish; in a clerk’s hand, signed “Bdo. de Galvez.” Also a translation of the same, attested by...
28670George Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
If you go to Bedford as soon as you contemplate, you will be surprised I expect at not finding the 3 dozen chairs there, which you ordered several months ago.—The first person who engaged to make them disappointed us altogether, & the next one has been a long time about them.— They are however at last ready, and shall be forwarded by the first safe boat, to the care of Sam l J. Harrison RC (...
28671George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 16, 1780 . Is setting out for Hartford. States that Greene is to be in command of the Army. Sends instructions concerning post at Dobbs Ferry. Reports that Admiral Rodney is “at the Hook and that the Enemy are making an embarkation for Rhode Island.” States that if this information is true, Greene is to make preparations for attacking New York. Df , in...
28672General Orders, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigadier General Patterson B.Q.M. Jersey Brigade A Board of Officers consisting of Brigadier General Greaton, Colonels Stewart & Sproat and Majors Fish & Trescot will assemble at the Newbuilding on saturday next ten o’clock A.M. to take into consideration the claims of the Candidates for the badge of merit, and will report thereon to the Commander in chief—as soon as...
28673To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Newhall, 20 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am excessively sorry to trouble you on a subject so very remote from your attention, yet flatter my-self that if consistant with the service, your Excellency will grant me my request. In November last the Major of the Regiment obtained a furlough for forty days, on his return I expected the same indulgence, but unfortunately he was deprived of his life by one of his neighbours, this accident...
28674To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 18 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
At a late meeting with the British Commissary, I have effected the Exchange of Sundry Officers as per the inclosed No. 1 and 2. I proceeded to Negociate this Business agreable to your Excellencys Instructions of the 5th Decembr last “Rank for Rank as far as they woud apply and then by Composition,” but the Enemy Solicitous for the Release of Lord Cornwallis refuse to Exchange the whole of our...
2867524th. (Adams Papers)
Another Snow storm; almost all day. Closed the Acts, in the Testament, and began the Romans. In the last Chapter of Acts, there is a Story, which, shows how far ignorance and prejudice, mislead the judgment of men. A Viper sticks upon St. Paul’s hand, and the People, immediately suppose him to be a murderer, but as soon as they find he receives no hurt from it, they conclude he is a God....
28676To George Washington from Richard Peters, 6 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Capt. William Scull has been employed by your Excellency to survey the Country from Derby to Lancaster which he informs he has nearly completed. Enclosed you have a Copy of a Resolution of Congress relative to the Survey of the Susquahanna & several Creeks running into it. The Board have employed Messrs Villefranche, Capitaine & Bedeaulx three French Officers recommended to them for the...
28677[Diary entry: 23 October 1797] (Washington Papers)
23. Very clear & pleasant—M. 56. Went with the family to dine with Mr. Potts in Alexandria.
28678To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your letter covering copies of the 3d: 4th: 5: & 6 articles of the treaty lately concluded between the American & British commissioners in London, on which you wish such information as my acquaintance with the subject may enable me to give. It will afford me infinite pleasure if my practical knowledge shall enable me to throw any new light on a subject, with the theory of...
28679From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by the Chevalier de Kermorvan, and Monsieur de Vermonet—they are French Gentlemen just arrived in this Place, who have made Application to me, to be received into the Continental Service—They bring Letters to Dr Franklin and some other Gentlemen of the Congress—I suppose it will better appear from these Letters, than from any Information I can give, whether it will...
28680To George Washington from Horatio Sharpe, 20 June 1758 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday in the afternoon came to the Mouth of Conegocheigh four Waggon Load of things of which I inclose You an Invoice received by Letter from Sr Jno. St Clair. As the Letter did not reach me till this Day the Waggons will not be able to set off from the Mouth of the Creeck before to Morrow or next Day, and that as little time might be lost as possible I immediately Dispatched three Waggons...
28681To James Madison from Joseph Forman, 20 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1802, Baltimore. “The situation of my Family … added to the great derangements made in Commercial Matters by the Peace—renders my Return to Europe very injurious to them & my own affairs.” Resigns his consular position at Rotterdam to which he was appointed “some time since.” Recommends Lawson Alexander, who “has since my Departure been acting as Agent for the Consulate.” “He is a...
28682From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I revoke the appellation of Son—Your conduct to me is more like that of a tender affectionate partial and too indulgent a Father—than like that of a Cousin, or a Brother or a Son You overwhelm me so with your kindness that I have no expressions adequate to my sense of obligations I have received the two Barrels of Cider, and the Bottles of Wine which I shall reserve for the best use of which...
28683Dumas to [the American Commissioners], 21 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les Extraits des dernieres Dépêches de Petersb. Dantsic Stockh. Berlin, Vienne, Ratisbonne, Paris et Lisbonne. Item l’Extrait de la Lettre importante de Messrs. Delalande & Fynje d’hier 19e d’Amsterd. sur laquelle je demande prompte réponse. &c. Jacob de la Lande and Hendrik Fynje were Dumas’ business associates in trading ventures...
28684Circular on Recruiting Service, [18–19 February 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
The recruiting service, as connected with the duties of Inspector General, has been committed by the Department of War to my superintendence. It is expected that it will shortly commence for the additional troops which are intended to be raised. [Two Regiments of Infantry are] assigned to Massachusettes. It is conceived to be expedient that for the purpose of recruiting them the state shall be...
28685To Benjamin Franklin from John Porter, 6 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you’l Excuse my Presumtion In thus Addressing you, as, It is not only In Order to Acquaint you of my Misfortune, by being taken on the 1 Inst. of May by the Faydrant Capt. Jervis, within a few Leagues of Nonte River to which Place I was Bound in a Bermuda Builte Sloop Cald the Alice Belonging to Messr. Thoms. Savage, Blake, Russell, Greenwood, &...
28686From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 19 August 1807 (Adams Papers)
“Pride of Talents and much Ambition were undoubtedly combined in the Character of the President, who immediately Succeeded General Washington” and these are represented as the most prominent features of his Character. Vol. 3. p. 393. Permit me Madam to ask the favour of you, to point out the Act or Word, which appeared to you to evince this Pride of Talents. I know not that I ever felt any...
28687To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 10 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Newport [ Rhode Island ] September 10, 1792 . “I have received your letter of the 6th. of August. The Construction of the Attorney General contained in the first paragraph, and which it is your desire should be practiced upon I think I understand; but the doubt in my mind which occasioned my stating a case, and raising a question thereon in my letter of the 30th of July last still remains.… I...
28688To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 24 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Board have had under Consideration for some days past the Subject of regulating the building of wharves; according to the Powers delegated to them by the Act of the Maryland Legislature passed in 1791: An Abstract of which is herewith inclosed. On a Subject so extensive, it is not to be wondered at that considerable difficulties have occurred: and it is not probable that all will be...
28689Enclosure: William Short to Antoine Bernard Caillard, 6 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
En reponse à la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire avant hier je puis vous informer que l’emprunt dont il est question a été fait en consequence de deux votes du Congres passés le 4. & le 12. du mois d’Aoust dernier & qui autorisent des emprunts en y designant leurs objets. J’ai eu l’honneur avant mon depart de Paris de porter a la connaissance de votre ministere les intentions...
28690George Washington to Baron de Frey, 24 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 24, 1779 . States that complaint about Captain Louis Celeron will be investigated. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Charles, Baron de Frey, was a captain in Pulaski’s Legion.
28691To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I forward three Deserters, one from the 23rd Regt One from the Hessian Riflemen, and the other from the Vulture Sloop of war. The former is one of the New recruits, and relates some particulars which if true makes the Enemy boasted reinforcment very Small, The Hessian is a very Intelligent man, Says he is an Apothecary, Docter Ledyard who is present wishes that he may be allowed to take him...
28692To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 31 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
By General Knox I had the honor of being advised that your Excellency was disposed to confer on me the appointment of Marshal for this District If I so inclined. This measure I suppose to have proceeded from my former application for that office and my subsequent wish to have some appointment in the General Government. I beg leave to return my most sincere thanks for your Intention to serve...
28693To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 27 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I presume to take the liberty of writing you a letter on a subject, which has and does at the present bear great weight on my mind, That is the treatment of the Soldiers of the 8th. Regt U S Infy., Since Major Daniel Appling has taken the command, delivered from Col. P Jack—Sometime about the first of last august, Major Appling to my certain knowledge has whiped soldiers since he has had the...
28694Richard M. Johnson to James Madison, 13 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have red, your favour of the 9th. & have already handed to Mr Emmons the 5 $ you were so kind as to Send him I was very reluctant that he should trouble you as he did as I fear you are often interrupted in that way. But the peculiar merits of the author who now lives in 2 miles of me in Keny. induced me to permit Mr Emmons to use my name in his Communication to you. It is the fondest wish of...
28695To George Washington from Claude Gabriel, marquis de Choisy, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
the letter your Excellency have honor’d me, I have received in this moment by the Colonel Temple and I have not heard as yet from the quarter master general whom I expect with great impatiance—since the few husaren who wait upon the c orps are scarce able to do it. the Colonel Temple did not chuse to pick the six horses out among Tarleton’s horses, he is gone forward to run after the officers...
28696To George Washington from Joseph Chew, 11 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here a few days agoe from New London and still find Cause of Complaint against you having had not a single Line from you for a Very long time. I make many Allowances for the Hurry you must be in and the Place where you are. I have the Pleasure to inform you that Govr Delancey last night Recd An Express from Albany giving him an Accot of Colo. Broadstreets taking Fort Frontinack with...
28697From George Washington to Christian Holmer, 3 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of —It was not expected by Congress in their Resolution of the 7th of Augst last, nor is it possible from the circumstances, that I should take measures for compleating or even doing any thing in the arrangement of any of the Lines of the Army excepting those which are under my immediate command—I have therefore transmitted a Copy of your Letter to the Secry at War,...
28698To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Arm will this Night or tomorrow Night permit me to take the Command at fort Mifflin. I was there last Night. it is now one Heap of Ruin & must be defended with Musquetry in Case of Storm. I presume the Enemy will Continue to Cannonade for four or five days & then they will be oblig’d to Storm. when they do, I am of Opinion they will Succeed. with 600 Men I think we could defend it as an...
28699To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I do not know whether you were acquainted with the late Major Duncanson of Washington, uncle of the writer of the inclosed letter. He was one of the earliest adventurers to the city of Washington. He had made a princely fortune in the E. Indies, the whole of which he employed in the establishments of that city and finally sunk. His political merits were a most persevering republicanism in the...
28700From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Information which the Gentlemen who have lately gone from hence can give the Congress of the State & Situation of the Army would have made a Letter unnecessary if I did not suppose there would be some Anxiety to know the Intentions of the Army on the Subject of their Re-inlistment. Agreeable to the Advice of those Gentlemen & my own Opinion, I immediately began by directing all such...